Tool for firing ceramics

Abstract

A tool for firing ceramics such as a setter and crucible comprises a ceramic foam body which has a three-dimensionally reticulated structure comprising plural interconnected ceramic strands, and a ceramic setting layer formed on at least one part of the surface of the ceramic foam body.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A tool for firing ceramics, comprising a ceramic foam body having a three-dimensionally reticulated structure comprising plural interconnected ceramic strands, and a ceramic setting layer formed on at least one part of the surface of the ceramic foam body, wherein each of said ceramic strands comprises plural ceramic layers. 
     
     
       2. A tool for firing ceramics according to claim 1, wherein said ceramic setting layer comprises a ceramic coating layer. 
     
     
       3. A tool for firing ceramics according to claim 2, wherein said ceramic coating layer comprises the same material as said ceramic foam body. 
     
     
       4. A tool for firing ceramics according to claim 1, wherein said ceramic setting layer comprises a light-weight layer comprising refractory material and ceramic fiber. 
     
     
       5. A tool for firing ceramics according to claim 1, wherein said ceramic foam body comprises alumina, silicon carbide, zirconia or alumina-zirconia. 
     
     
       6. A tool for firing ceramics according to claim 1, which is in the form of a setter. 
     
     
       7. A tool for firing ceramics according to claim 6, wherein said setter has supports. 
     
     
       8. A tool for firing ceramics according to claim 1, wherein said ceramic foam body has a bulk density of from about 0.4 to 2. 
     
     
       9. A tool for firing ceramics according to claim 1, wherein said ceramic foam body has a bulk density of from about 0.7 to 1.5. 
     
     
       10. A tool for firing ceramics according to claim 1, wherein said ceramic foam body has a void ratio of from about 80% to 90%. 
     
     
       11. A tool for firing ceramics according to claim 1, wherein said ceramic foam body has a pore size of from about 0.5 mm to 4 mm. 
     
     
       12. A tool for firing ceramics according to claim 11, wherein each of said ceramic strands comprises a hollow channel at its center. 
     
     
       13. A tool for firing ceramics according to claim 1, wherein said plural ceramic layers are of the same composition. 
     
     
       14. A tool for firing ceramics according to claim 1, wherein said plural ceramic layers are of different compositions. 
     
     
       15. A crucible for firing ceramics comprising (a) a ceramic foam body having a three-dimensionally reticulated structure comprising plural interconnected ceramic strands and (b) a ceramic setting layer formed on at least one surface of the ceramic foam body.